Sunday in Concepcion

Sunday brought a day of worship!

Our group traveled about 2 blocks from our hotel to worship at Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Martin Luther in downtown Conception. We first worshipped with the German congregation. Pastor Eduardo Rojas wore his black cassock and white 'preaching tabs.' The service was entirely in German, which none of us spoke. However, we had no trouble following along and singing with enthusiasm. During the announcements Melissa introduced our delegation in Spanish and I asked her to have Pastor Eduardo translate. Everyone laughed because they all speak Spanish! Melissa told us that the German service helped her to understand what we who speak little or no Spanish are experiencing here.

The second service at the same church was in Spanish, which some of us could understand. My Spanish is getting better, but still very limited. The love of God and His people was very present here as everywhere.

Afterwards we all went to lunch at the German Club with the church council of Martin Luther church. That evening we attended church at Congregation Vida Nueva -- Pastor Oscar's church -- Mary has described that service in her blog.

On the way back to our hotel Jon mentioned that if we were to die, we would surely arrive safely in heaven -- 3 services in ONE DAY! :-)

I met many other church leaders and congregational presidents. In one meeting I was in a room with 5 congregation presidents from churches in Chile and USA. It happened that all 5 of us were single!!! Earlier I had met Alfred and Hector, presidents of their congregations, and their wives. Being single is not a requirement.

This has been an exhausting and exhilarating visit to Chile and our sister churches here.... And it is not over yet!!!!